Actress Honey Lee has found herself at the center of controversy after it was revealed that her management company, Hope Project, has been operating without proper registration for nearly 10 years.
On September 22, Hope Project issued a statement acknowledging the issue:
“The company did not fully recognize the obligation to register as a pop culture and arts business operator. As a result, registration procedures were not completed. After recently confirming this, we have sought expert advice and are now in the process of registering in accordance with regulations. We plan to complete this within the government’s grace period.”
Under Korea’s Act on the Development of the Pop Culture and Arts Industry, agencies whether corporate or sole proprietorships employing more than one person must register with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism before operating. Failure to do so may result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.
Hope Project was originally established in October 2015 under the name Jusikhoesa Hani, later rebranded as Jusikhoesa Ireyoon in 2018, before becoming Hope Project in September 2022. Honey Lee served as CEO and board director until January 2023. The company is now headed by her husband, known only as Mr. J, while Honey Lee remains listed as an internal director.
In response to wider concerns, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it is running an industry-wide grace period until December 31, 2025, allowing entertainment agencies to complete overdue registrations and strengthen legal compliance across the field.
The revelation has raised questions about regulatory oversight within Korea’s entertainment sector, where even top stars like Honey Lee have become entangled in procedural oversights with potentially serious legal implications.
Sources: Herald Economy,Nate,Yonhap
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